In sake for old glory. Manchester United vs Feyenoord. PREVIEW

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has always claimed that the English Premier League will be their number one priority, however, the team’s inglorious form has urged them to seek for their old glory in all games they play. The unbelievable amount of criticism poured out on Mourinho and his strategy, made him revise the lineups and pay attention to all the competitions the team feature.

As regards Feyenoord, they can secure their place in the last 32 in case they manage to win in the away game against the Red Devils. Taking into account the hard psychological condition the English side are in, they can take advantage and head the group despite a couple of missing players. OK, let’s go one by one…

Standings. GROUP A

Feyenoord and Fenerbahce are now in lead of the group, leaving Manchester United behind, as the latter have accumulated a point less than the opponents. The fourth club, Zorya have lost the opportunity to qualify. Moreover, they will stay at the last place.

Today’s matches might be decisive for the whole group, in case both Feyenoord and Fenerbahce win. They both will qualify, leaving the last matchday for revealing the winner and runner-up only. However, today’s clashes can also change the things all around. Manchester United can climb up to the top from the third place. That is exactly why this match is the key game of the European football week.

Form Guide

The teams have absolutely different performance patterns in their national leagues. Manchester United are the sixth in the English Premiere League with only one win in their last five games. Three of those five are draws, and the one left in the painful loss against Chelsea (4-0). The last game played in EPL was against Arsenal (1-1), where MU have shown a more or less decent football (without Zlatan!!!) and seem to be ready for a sudden revival.

Feyenoord, in turn, seem to be ready to face Mourinho’s squad for the second time, as they are also in a good form. The Netherlands’ side are the first in Eredivisie with only one loss in the starting 13 games. Impressive, isn’t it?

Head to head

Feyenoord and Manchester United, have met this year in matchday 1, where the Brits lost in their away game (1-0). The only goal scored by the left midfielder Tonny Vilhena.

The Europa League starting match has become the first clash between these teams in the 21st century.

Missing Players

Manchester United will lack Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling due to injuries, which will comparatively weaken the defense. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are expected to feature from the starting minutes, as Mourinho changed the starting lineup from the Arsenal draw. ]

Feyenoord, in turn, will lack their second goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer and defender Sven van Beek due to injuries. Eric Bottenghin was sent off in the previous round and is suspended for the current game.